Oh, the Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight! This heavenly creation takes me back to the warm, joyful afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where delightful scents of chocolate and strawberries danced through the air. It all began one summer when she decided to make a cake that would bring smiles to all her grandchildren. The vibrant layers of rich chocolate and fruity strawberry, slathered in fluffy frosting, were simply irresistible. Every slice was like a party on our plates, a masterpiece that united our families with sweet, cozy memories. I make this cake whenever I want to recreate those nostalgic vibes, and I know once you try it, you’ll want to bring the same joy to your table.

As you bake, you’ll be enveloped in the warm embrace of vanilla and chocolate aromas, and I promise—each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors, a texture that’s soft and tender, and a sweetness that makes the heart flutter. Prepare to fall in love with this cake just as I did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll be a cake-baking pro in no time!
• Impressive Layers: The beautiful layers make it the star of any gathering, charming everyone in the room.
• Flavor Explosion: Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry combine to create a dreamy flavor experience you can’t resist.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy Sunday afternoon.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Watch as friends and family gather around, fork in hand, ready to dig into this slice of happiness.

Ingredients

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  1 cup all-purpose flour
  This gives our cake its lovely structure. Make sure to sift it for a light and airy texture!

  
  
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  1 cup sugar
  Sweetness is key! This will help balance the cocoa flavor beautifully.

  
  
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  1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  This rich cocoa will give the chocolate layers their deep, intense chocolate flavor—yum!

  
  
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  1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  Soft, creamy butter equals moist cake. Don’t skip this step; it makes a world of difference!

  
  
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  1 cup milk
  This adds tenderness to our cake. Room temperature milk works best for mixing, so set it out beforehand!

  
  
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  3 eggs
  Eggs not only help the cake rise but also contribute to its luscious texture. Bring them to room temperature for easier mixing!

  
  
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  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Pure vanilla extract infuses the batter with lovely warmth and flavor. Use the good stuff for the best results!

  
  
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  1 teaspoon baking powder
  This little ingredient helps our cake rise and stay fluffy. Fresh baking powder works wonders!

  
  
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  1/4 teaspoon salt
  Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balance of our cake. Don’t skip it!

  
  
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  1 cup vanilla frosting
  For a smooth, sweet layer between our delightful cake, this frosting is a must!

  
  
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  1 cup strawberry frosting
  Surprise! This fruity layer complements the chocolate with vibrant flavor. Feel free to make your own or use store-bought!

  
  
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  Fresh strawberries for decoration
  These add a pop of color and freshness. Plus, who can resist biting into a juicy strawberry?

  
  
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  Chocolate shavings for decoration
  A sprinkle of these makes our cake decadent! You can make them by shaving a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler.

  
  

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This is crucial—no sticky cake disasters here!

2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Imagine the smell—so buttery and sweet! This takes about 3–5 minutes with a hand mixer.

3. Incorporate the Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Let the eggs mingle with that airiness you created; it will give the cake its lift!

4. Add the Vanilla Extract

Stir in the vanilla extract. Ahh, that warm, inviting aroma is exactly what you want in your kitchen!

5. Sift Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to avoid lumps, ensuring a velvety batter.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—don’t over-mix or your cake might get a bit tough.

7. Divide the Batter

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. It should be shiny and rich—just perfect!

8. Bake the Layers

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly as the cakes puff up!

9. Cooling Time

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key—no rushing here!

10. Layer the Cakes

Once cooled, it’s time for assembly! Place one chocolate layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of vanilla frosting, then add the second chocolate layer. Spread the strawberry frosting over that, and top it with the last chocolate layer.

11. Frost and Decorate

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the vanilla frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings. Your cake will look like a work of art!

12. Slice and Serve

Slice it up, plate it, and get ready to see those smiles! Each bite is a delightful journey through three fabulous flavors!

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for easy mixing and better rise.
• Use Quality Vanilla: Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for the best flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cakes, especially near the end of baking.
• Cooling is Key: Make sure your layers are completely cool before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off!

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry with a Twist: Add fresh or freeze-dried strawberries to the chocolate batter for an extra fruity surprise.
• Coffee Lover’s Dream: Mix a tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the batter for a mocha-inspired delight!
• Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight with a dollop of whipped cream on the side! It also goes beautifully with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For added flair, serve it on a vintage plate with a sprig of mint to brighten the presentation.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the cake layers a day in advance. Just cool them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Once assembled, store your cake in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days—but trust me, it won’t last that long!

Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), try crumbling the cake into a trifle with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert!

Freezing

Yes, this cake can be frozen! Once fully cooled, carefully wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight!

Reheating

If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. For a more rustic approach, warm it in a skillet over low heat to give it that freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use different frostings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or whatever tickles your fancy!

How can I make this gluten-free?
Try swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

What’s the best way to frost a cake?
Start with a crumb coat—a thin layer of frosting to seal in the crumbs. Chill for about 30 minutes, then apply the main layer of frosting for a clean finish!

Can I use a cake mix instead?
Yes! If you’re short on time, use a chocolate cake mix, but I promise homemade is worth it for the flavor!

Final Thoughts

Baking the Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight is not just about the end product; it’s a journey filled with sweet moments, laughter, and a dash of love. As you savor each slice, I hope you feel the warmth of tradition and the joy of sharing. My kitchen is always open, and I can’t wait to see you whip up this cake and make it your own. Happy baking, sweet friends, and always remember to taste with joy!

— Chef Caroline 💖